Expert: Richard Morton, Reflexologist - 11/8/2004

Question
Hello Dr. Morton,
 I am a 50 year old acupuncturist with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine, not having begun my first practice yet, and am thinking about applying to Vanderbilt University here in Nashville to become a Nurse Practitioner,(N.P.). Under their program, called a "Bridge" program, I would go 2 years to become an N.P.
 My questions are:
 1. Do you think this would be a wise decision, or should I concentrate on Oriental medicine, maybe going for the clinical Doctorate in Oriental medicine when it comes out?
 2. N.P.s can diagnose and prescribe certain pharmaceuticals. Would this interfere with my suggesting a Chinese herbs or herbal formula to a patient?
 Thank you very much for any advise!
 
 Sincerely,

 Mike Eidson, LAc.


Answer
Dear Mr. Eidson,
The education and background you would gain reaching for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) program would be significant. I believe, however, that you will find that some aspects of the NP scope of practice might very well inhibit your practice as an oriental medicine professional.As an NP, you will have a duty to act under the somewhat strict protocols of that practice. While you may know very well that a particular oriental modality or treatment would be much more effective than the western one, you will have to act based on the constraints of the western model, or risk significant sanctions from the regulatory bodies overseeing the NP arena.

Many nursing practitioners right now are studying oriental medicine, because of the wider latitude and effectivenes seen there. Some of them are discontinuing their nursing practice in favor of the autonomy and freedom to make a more meaningful contribution to their patients' wellbeing. You already have your credentials as a licensed acupuncturist. If it were me, I'd continue to pursue that path, and work from inside to help integrate that practice into accepted healthcare.

You may want to look at one of the programs that work as a bridge to a natural healing practice, such as those at Clayton College of Natural Health. See them at http://www.ccnh.edu for their significant spectrum of curricula. Hope it helps!

Yours in natural health,
Richard Morton, ND, DR, LMT